Akagera (Rwanda) and Tarangire (Tanzania) are often weighed against each other. This comparison uses seasons, activities and access to help you choose.
| Akagera | Tarangire | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | Rwanda | Tanzania |
| Type | National park | National park |
| Approx. area | 1,122 km² | 2,850 km² |
| Best time | July to August | July to October |
| Suggested stay | 1–2 days | 1–2 days |
| Main gateway airport | Kigali International Airport (KGL) | Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) |
| Big Five | Present | Not all five |
| Malaria | Malaria area: see a travel doctor | Malaria area: see a travel doctor |
| Families | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Honeymooners | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Photographers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| First-time visitors | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Budget travellers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Luxury travellers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
Month by month
| Month | Akagera | Tarangire |
|---|---|---|
| January | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ some rain |
| February | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ some rain |
| March | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ some rain |
| April | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| May | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ some rain |
| June | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| July | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| August | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| September | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| October | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| November | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ some rain |
| December | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ some rain |
How to choose
Choose Akagera if
- you are travelling in December to February
- you want boat safaris
- you hope to see black rhino, white rhino, hippos and crocodiles
Choose Tarangire if
- you are travelling in March and September to November
- you want walking safaris and hot-air balloon flights
- you hope to see cheetahs, wildebeest, oryx, kudu and gazelles
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, Akagera or Tarangire?
It depends on when you travel and what you want to see. Akagera is stronger in December to February. Tarangire is stronger in March and September to November.
When is the best time for each?
Akagera: July to August. Tarangire: July to October.
Sources: Visit Rwanda (RDB) - Akagera National Park · SafariBookings - Akagera climate · Climates to Travel - Rwanda (Kigali normals) · TANAPA - Tarangire National Park · SafariBookings - Tarangire climate · Weather Spark - Mto wa Mbu (nearest station)
Figures are approximate averages and vary from year to year.